Frequently Asked Roofing Questions

Here at Havering Roofing Company we, understandably, get asked a lot of questions about roofs, roofing products, roofing problems, and everything in between. We’ve selected some of these commonly asked questions and provided the answers below.

Read on to find the answers to some frequently asked roofing questions.

Q: How will I know when my roof needs attention?

A: A damaged roof generally displays some tell-tale signs. If you discover tiles or slate at the foot of the house or in the guttering, you’ll need to investigate where it has come from. Similarly, if you can see slates / tiles missing from the roof itself, you’ll need to inspect.

Water damage is another helpful sign that your roof may need attention. If you see signs of water damage on your upstairs ceiling (e.g. light brown marks, bulging, a drip) you’ll need to inspect further. Obvious leaks and visible daylight when in the loft are also worth looking out for.

Your roofline features (fascia, soffit, guttering, etc.) may also display visible signs of damage. Rotting wood, cracked plastic, and water marks are key signs that you need to have your roof and roofline looked at. Beware though, these can appear fine from the ground but on closer inspection are in need of attention.

Not all roof damage is visible, which makes it hard to identify any existing or potential problems. The best way then to be sure that your roof is in good working order is to have it surveyed by a professional roofer, especially if you suspect something may be wrong.

Find out more about our roofing surveys

Q: My roof is leaking. Do I need to get a new roof?

A: Not necessarily. Any good roofer should be able to repair minor roof leaks without resorting to replacing the whole roof. Roofing technology has become extremely advanced, making it easier than ever to plug a leak. That being said, even a small leak can be a sign that your roof hasn’t gotten too many winters left. Therefore, a quick fix now might not be cost-effective in the long-term.

More serious leaks may require more work and more changes, if not a complete overhaul of your roof. Again, this isn’t always the case though. The best thing to do with any roof leak is to have a roof repair specialist look over it and advise how to proceed. If you’re worried about getting biased information, ask several roofers to take a look.

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Q: Do I need a new roof even though it’s not leaking?

A: The structure and functionality of a roof isn’t governed by leaks alone. Just because your roof isn’t leaking doesn’t mean it’s not in a bad state. Likewise, just because your roof has a leak doesn’t mean it needs replacing (see above). The only way to know for sure whether you need a new roof is by having the roof leak inspected by a professional. Havering Roofing Company is able to provide you with a professional survey as well as roof replacement and installation.

Find out more about our roof installation service

Q: Do flat roofs need to be covered with chipping or shingle?

A: No. Chipping and shingle are the most common materials used to cover flat roofs in the U.K., but they’re not essential. Other materials (including specialist rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber) EPDM, sealant gel, liquid membranes, PVC, fibreglass, and more) can also be used. That being said, chipping and shingle are popular thanks to the fact that they provide good protection against the elements (including UV rays) and are fairly affordable.

Q: What is the life expectancy of roofing felt for a flat roof?

A: The life expectancy of roofing felt will depend on the quality of the felt used. As with any other aspect of the building trade, consumers won’t need to go far to seek out cheaper alternatives that, whilst they’ll last a good few years, won’t last as long as some of the more expensive felts. Havering Roofing Company always uses high quality felts, which generally have a life expectancy of 20 years.

Find out more about our flat roof services

Got another question? Looking for some advice? Want to know what the experts think? Havering Roofing Company will be more than happy to answer your questions. Simply get in touch with us, ask your question, and we’ll do our very best to answer it.

Havering Roofing Company has diligently prepared these frequently asked roofing questions but cannot guarantee that all information will remain accurate in the future. Please get in touch if you’d like further information.

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